Mission Operation Scimitar | An Age of Strife Story - Pt. 2

[Ignacious Korvan]

Grand Moff Korvan​

Objective: I - Hit & Fade
Location: Aboard the NIV Ave Imperator - Shu Torun
Tags: Ashkur Kilslee | Abeodan Charidot | Julius Haskler | Open

Spoiler: Chiss Battlefleet

• (4) Pellaeon III-Class Star Destroyers
• (4) Praefect-class Star Destroyers
• (6) Valiant-class Star Destroyers
• (12) Escolta-class Frigates

The massive cannons of the Onager-II Flotilla began opening fire as ordered, their initial salvos leading the Chiss battlegroup’s charge into the fray. The first few shots would overshoot the lead ship only to impact against the far flank, but the following shots were clearly more dialed in as they began to pulverize the advancing Valiant-class Star Destroyers taking severe damage. The supporting fire from Admiral Charidot’s forces would begin to punch through the destabilizing shield networks of the lead ships, with scattered debris beginning to cloud the immediate area.

But the Chiss fleet would not be so easily culled, as they returned fire almost immediately. Their approach would angle to a slight 30-degree cant to starboard, attempting to bring to bear both their forward and port broadside armaments against the battleline formed by the Onager-II’s and support vessels. This would leave them open to Admiral Charidot’s maneuver however, as his ships would loop around and begin raking fire upon their exposed aft sections. The starboard flank of the diamond formation would break hard; maneuvering at a 90-degree angle further to starboard so as to unleash their broadsides at the flanking vessels while the remainder of the fleet continued their dogged advance while additionally screening the counter maneuver. Bombers would begin to emerge from the bowels of the Chiss fleet, plotting an intercept course against the Talmshaa battle line blockading the planet.

 

[Abeodan Tyiskore Charidot]

Spoiler: 400th Talmshaa Fleet

400th Talmshaa Fleet

Pellaeon III Class Star Destroyer NIV Resurgency II [100 | 100 ] NIV Dispatcher [100 | 100 ] NIV Trident [100 | 100 ] NIV Kraken [100 | 100 ] New Imperial I Class Star Destroyer NIV Impulse [100 | 100 ] NIV Pioneer [100 | 100 ] Praefect Class Star Destroyer NIV Herald [100 | 100 ] NIV Berserker [100 | 100 ] Stalwart Class Carrier NIV Intruder [100 | 100 ] NIV Paramount [100 | 100 ]

Escolta Class Frigate NIV Mercenary [100 | 100 ] NIV Siren [100 | 100 ] NIV Torment [100 | 100 ] EF 96 Nebulon A Escort Frigate NIV Glory [100 | 100 ] NIV Persuiter [100 | 100 ] NIV Eternity [100 | 100 ] TXS Vandal Class Corvette NIV Challenger [100 | 100 ] NIV Messenger [100 | 100 ] NIV Deceptor [100 | 100 ]

The battle was turning in his favor as represented on the datapad currently within his hands. The Cannons from the Onager-II Flotilla did their job as their firepower blasted into the diamond formation of the Chiss Fleet. Focusing on the Valiant-Class Star Destroyers which received substantial damage. However the battle was far from over as they returned fire with full force slamming into his fleet at record speed. The exchange between the two fleets was deadly as turbolaser fire moved across the void of space to pound into shielding.

They unleashed a powerful broadside into the Section A Battleline which was made up of the Onager-II's and the NIV Impulse and NIV Pioneer. Reports started to flood into the bridge of the Resurgency II of extensive damage to the NIV Impulse and the NIV Pioneer as they moved slightly in front of the Onager-II to protect them from critical damage which would knock them out of the fight if left unprotected. A brush of his mustache as Rear Admiral Furn approached him with the latest from the communication officer.

"Sir, the diamond formations' rear group has broken off and engaged with the NIV Herald & Berserker. They are sitting ducks out there without support." Furn said with a concerned voice towards him. "Send the NIV Kraken from the blockade fleet to support them. Have them turn to bring full batteries towards the enemy fleet and enter into a loose formation." Charidot said looking back out into the chaos of the battlefield. The Pellaeon III Class Star Destroyer known as the "NIV Kraken" would move itself away from the blockade fleet as the Resurgency II took it's place in the formation for the time being. Approaching the Praefect Class Star Destroyers known as the "NIV Herald & Berserker" as they moved away from the flanking motion and brought all their guns to the forefront but still sustained damage.

The NIV Kraken, Herald, Berserker would now be in a loose formation and enter into a targeted barrage of the nearest vessel to them Concentrating their firepower on one vessel at a time to overwhelm the shielding system before moving onto the next. Meanwhile back at the Blockade Fleet; the Starfighter Screen would be informed of the approaching bombers maneuvering themselves to intercept but not stray too far away from the fleet incase reinforcements showed up from behind the fleet.


​

 

[Ignacious Korvan]

Grand Moff Korvan​

Objective: I - Hit & Fade
Location: Aboard the NIV Ave Imperator - Shu Torun
Tags: Ashkur Kilslee | Abeodan Charidot | Julius Haskler | Open

Spoiler: Chiss Battlefleet

• (4) Pellaeon III-Class Star Destroyers
• (4) Praefect-class Star Destroyers
• (6) Valiant-class Star Destroyers
• (12) Escolta-class Frigates

The battle between Charidot’s forces and that of the Chiss Reclaimation Fleet would develop into a full-scale confrontation. Several ships would succumb to the onslaught brought upon the Chiss forces by the Onagers and support ships from Charidot, with three Valiant Star Destroyer suffering crippling damage, and one succumbing to its wounds and slowly erupting into a swarm of debris. The flanking assault would redirect to avoid the Chiss’ attempt at turning the flank against itself, instead fading away and back toward the blockade line. Just as the Chiss forces began to believe their assault was overwhelming the Imperial forces, multiple signatures began to ping against their sensor sweeps. By the time realization could creep in, it was too late to prevent the inevitable.

Grand Admiral Korvan’s fleet emerged from lightspeed, guided by telemetry data from the Onager-IIs as they landed at the far end of the engagement zone, on the starboard side of the Chiss Fleet. It was too late to course correct; too late to adjust. The Chiss fleet was fully committed, and squarely out of position for the hammer that would fall upon them. The Ave Imperator would unleash its considerable weaponry alongside the star destroyers flanking her, tearing through exposed armor plating given the Chiss had thusly redirected their shields to protect against Charidot’s assault. Given the counterattack had squarely placed the Chiss fleet between a hammer and anvil, it did not take long for them to get slaughtered in the process. The Chiss Commander would open a holo-channel with Admiral Charidot himself, her bright red eyes being the only notable feature on her otherwise impassive face. “Admiral... we surrender. I ask that you please grant my forces clemency pursuant to the conventions of war.”

It would seem the fate of the Chiss fleet would lay in the Admiral’s hands, even as the Empire’s ships continued their efforts to eradicate the Chiss fleet in the moments that would pass. Cut off from escape, it would seem as though the Chiss fleet had no hope for survival - no other alternative but to presume upon Admiral Charidot’s good graces.

 

[Abeodan Tyiskore Charidot]

Spoiler: 400th Talmshaa Fleet

400th Talmshaa Fleet

Pellaeon III Class Star Destroyer NIV Resurgency II [100 | 100 ] NIV Dispatcher [100 | 100 ] NIV Trident [100 | 100 ] NIV Kraken [100 | 100 ] New Imperial I Class Star Destroyer NIV Impulse [100 | 100 ] NIV Pioneer [100 | 100 ] Praefect Class Star Destroyer NIV Herald [100 | 100 ] NIV Berserker [100 | 100 ] Stalwart Class Carrier NIV Intruder [100 | 100 ] NIV Paramount [100 | 100 ]

Escolta Class Frigate NIV Mercenary [100 | 100 ] NIV Siren [100 | 100 ] NIV Torment [100 | 100 ] EF 96 Nebulon A Escort Frigate NIV Glory [100 | 100 ] NIV Persuiter [100 | 100 ] NIV Eternity [100 | 100 ] TXS Vandal Class Corvette NIV Challenger [100 | 100 ] NIV Messenger [100 | 100 ] NIV Deceptor [100 | 100 ]

The battle was going far too poorly for his taste as more reports started to flood onto the Bridge of the Resurgency II. The Chiss Fleet was securing an advantage until the arrival of the 43rd Battlegroup behind the enemy fleet. Trapping them within a pincer maneuver and leaving them little option to escape. Charidot was just about to issue new battle formation orders to the Fleet Commanders until the communication's officer yelled up something towards Rear Admiral Furn. "Sir, the Chiss Fleet are contacting us. Your orders?" Furn said looking towards him with a raised eyebrow. "Send the transmissions through." Charidot replied as the holographic image became clearer and clearer. The Chiss Commander presented before him with their eyes meeting for the first time.

They wanted to surrender and be granted clemency according to the convention of war. He didn't see it fit to waste a operational fleet when the War with the Galactic Alliance was just picking up and conflict was soon to occur. Grand Admiral Korvan would not doubt like to see them destroyed or inturned within the Camps as issued by the Triumvirate based on current assumption. His rank was inferior to the Grand Admiral and he could harshly punish him for disagreeing with him. But his resolve was as iron tight as the day when he saved Korvan's Life during the Promotion Ceremony within Fortress Imperator on Revelin.

"Commander we accept your declaration of surrender."

Charidot replied as he turned towards Rear Admiral Furn. "Cease all fire." He said in a firm voice as the Rear Admiral would simply nod and begin relaying his orders through the communication's officer. The slow crawl of action would become apparent to the 43rd Battlegroup as the 400th Talmshaa Fleet became quiet. His body turned for just a brief moment to mouth a single command towards the communication's officer.

He waited for just a brief moment as the transmissions came back from the COMPNOR HQ with a private message from Commissioner Vethres. Opening a holo-channel between the 43rd Battlegroup underneath Ignacious Korvan . Standing before the Grand Moff with a firm look on his face to indicate his seriousness.

"The Chiss Fleet has surrendered; Grand Admiral Korvan. I personally accepted their proposal of surrender and have ceased all hostilities towards them in compliance with the convention of war. Additionally COMPNOR has informed me via a separate transmissions that my fleet is be placed underneath their jurisdiction for 'OPERATION 233' as recently approved by Lord-Regent Barran"

Charidot said in a brief message towards him. He wanted to know if the Grand Admiral would accept their surrender or have them destroyed to send a message to other populations that would rebel against the empire.

Julius Haskler




​

 

[Siyndacha Aerin]

ERRANT HEIR
THE ORDER OF IMPERIAL KNIGHTS → 501st STORMTROOPER LEGION
BANOL'S MAZE - WORTAN - IRIDONIA
Jorus Fel

MEPHISTO'S LULLABY​

Some currently-buried part of her could appreciate the drier surroundings, but like or dislike of such insignificant details fell away the moment Siyndacha had sunk her mind into the mission. They drew closer with the final turn imminent, itself heralded by the unnatural and rather telling light emanating from the hanger; her own night vision receded as the dingy brightness increased with proximity.

A light two-note tap at her shoulder stayed her, and she hung back, waiting for Fel to assess the situation visually, while she gathered a feel for what laid ahead. Discerning what she could.

"Wide open hangar. I count five inside, all in a circle around some... source of light." he reported. "My sensors didn't indicate anyone else hiding in the shadows, either."

Her eyes focused on nothing as she sensed ahead. Accounting for each source of life.

[ One, Two, Three, Four, Fi… ], her eyes narrowed, [ ...No. ]

"Catching them with their pants down I can take out one... two actually." he lightly tapped his rifle, slightly regretting dismissing his squad back to base. "Leaving three to deal with."

Siyn squeezed her eyes shut - somewhere along the way, a mild headache had set in - and she lightly shook her head. “Four,” she corrected, opening her eyes and looking at Fel, “That light is the focal point of the entire ritual. Each member of the circle is a conduit, pouring accumulated energy into that one individual.” Insomuch as cultists were individuals - a cult was more like a vile organism. Her eyes flicked to the light.

“Your sensors can’t pick up on that because of the sheer amount of energy and distortion. The light is a byproduct.” Which gave an idea of just how much energy, and yes, the filth at the centre was effectively glowing. She turned her gaze back to Fel. “But also because of the high level of energy… the priest or priestess will be incapacitated for a limited amount of time once the ritual is abruptly halted. A minute, maybe two.” She rubbed her thumb against the hilt in her hand. “I can take down another two before they have a chance to sufficiently react.”

That would leave one, and the coven’s leader.

​

​

 

[Jorus Fel]

T H E _ E M P I R E
501st STORMTROOPER LEGION
OPERATION SCIMITAR
IT'S TREASON THEN
Siyndacha Aerin

Jorus listened keenly to the Knight's analysis, obviously drawn from the realm of the ethereal seeing as she had squeezed her eyes shut and not peeked over the corner. A frown carved faint fissures across her pale face dimly lit by the low light of the tunnel. For a moment, it seemed, the iron veil of a do-or-die Imperial Knight lifted to reveal a charming Echani girl with her own predicaments to bear. Whatever was going on in that hangar was somehow affecting her, one way or the other.

"Copy." the stormtrooper cocked his rifle and turned his gaze forward but before he could take one step ahead, he paused and shifted his visor back to Aerin. "Hey... you okay?"​

 

[Siyndacha Aerin]

ERRANT HEIR
THE ORDER OF IMPERIAL KNIGHTS → 501st STORMTROOPER LEGION
BANOL'S MAZE - WORTAN - IRIDONIA
Jorus Fel

MEPHISTO'S LULLABY​

Her jaw tensed for a moment at the query. Dull tension gripped her head, and she felt like she could crawl out of her own skin, but it was sheer discipline that maintained her.

"I will be," she replied, "the faster we put an end to this, and the faster we depart. The further away, the better."

It would take at least a day or two to feel right again, but the thought of being back within the 'naval standard' coloured corridors of the Dissident Aggressor was some sort of comfort.

"Consider yourself fortunate." And that was the end of it. She pulled her second hilt into her other hand. "Take your shots, and I will make my move."

​

 

[Ignacious Korvan]

Grand Moff Korvan​

Objective: I - Hit & Fade
Location: Aboard the NIV Ave Imperator - Shu Torun
Tags: Ashkur Kilslee | Abeodan Charidot | Julius Haskler | Open

Spoiler: Chiss Battlefleet

• (4) Pellaeon III-Class Star Destroyers
• (4) Praefect-class Star Destroyers
• (6) Valiant-class Star Destroyers
• (12) Escolta-class Frigates

The Chiss commander bowed graciously at Charidot’s acceptance of their surrender. As the 400th Talmshaa began to cease fire, word had reached the Grand Admiral himself. Rather than, as Charidot had anticipated, being angry at the turn of events - Korvan was by and large more curious than anything. He pondered the situation for a moment before giving the order. “Cease fire.”

Almost instantly, the ships of the 43rd battlegroup ceased their bombardment, with the voice of the comms officer chiming in. “Sir, we are receiving a transmission from Rear Admiral Charidot’s flagship.” With a wave of his hand, Ignacious indicated his acceptance of the transmission request. The form of the Rear Admiral appeared before him, with Korvan’s expression in return being rather cold and impassive as always.

"The Chiss Fleet has surrendered; Grand Admiral Korvan. I personally accepted their proposal of surrender and have ceased all hostilities towards them in compliance with the convention of war. Additionally COMPNOR has informed me via a separate transmissions that my fleet is be placed underneath their jurisdiction for 'OPERATION 233' as recently approved by Lord-Regent Barran"

“You and your men are to be commended, Admiral.” Korvan remarked, a subtle crease in his cheeks indicative of a smirk. He would be lying if he did not admit that the mention of a redeployment irked him to a certain degree, but he also could not dispute the importance of it. He was not aware of an operation titled ‘OPERATION 233’, but if the approval of Lord Regent Barran was valid, he was not inclined to obstruct the reassignment either. Plus, victory was at hand.

“We can take it from here, Admiral. I accept your reassignment without issue, although we will miss your support.” His tone shifted slightly. Was it respect? “Regarding the issue of their surrender and request for clemency, I shall take it into consideration. The Empire is not devoid of mercy, when it’s warranted.”

The Grand Admiral nodded, and after a brief pause, his right hand snapped into a salute. “Take care, Admiral. I would request that you ferry some of these ships to the Imperial Shipyard at Niruaun, but aside from that - You are dismissed at your leisure. My forces will begin taking control of the Chiss ships imminently, and transfer what ships you can take to your control thereafter.” At that, the connection between the two ships would be terminated, and the Grand Admiral would wait in place as his comms officers established a link with the Chiss Fleet’s command ship.

He would regard the form of its commander with an appraising air, his posture straightening as he said: “I am Grand Admiral Ignacious Korvan of the Imperial 2nd Sector Fleet. Admiral Charidot has informed me of his acceptance of your surrender under the terms of clemency per the articles of war...” He tilted his head slightly, then continued: “Deactivate your shields and weaponry and prepare to be boarded forthwith. Submit to Imperial Forces and surrender all ships under your command to our control..”

The end of the Chiss Reclaimation Movement was at hand.

~Fin

 

[Abeodan Tyiskore Charidot]

Spoiler: 400th Talmshaa Fleet

400th Talmshaa Fleet

Pellaeon III Class Star Destroyer NIV Resurgency II [100 | 100 ] NIV Dispatcher [100 | 100 ] NIV Trident [100 | 100 ] NIV Kraken [100 | 100 ] New Imperial I Class Star Destroyer NIV Impulse [100 | 100 ] NIV Pioneer [100 | 100 ] Praefect Class Star Destroyer NIV Herald [100 | 100 ] NIV Berserker [100 | 100 ] Stalwart Class Carrier NIV Intruder [100 | 100 ] NIV Paramount [100 | 100 ]

Escolta Class Frigate NIV Mercenary [100 | 100 ] NIV Siren [100 | 100 ] NIV Torment [100 | 100 ] EF 96 Nebulon A Escort Frigate NIV Glory [100 | 100 ] NIV Persuiter [100 | 100 ] NIV Eternity [100 | 100 ] TXS Vandal Class Corvette NIV Challenger [100 | 100 ] NIV Messenger [100 | 100 ] NIV Deceptor [100 | 100 ]

His assumption about the Grand Admiral was proven incorrect to his apparent surprise. Korvan remarked that his men was to be commended for their effort in fighting off the chiss to a surrendering point. Charidot was also taken by surprise when the Grand Admiral accepted their reassignment orders without complaint and mused that he would miss their support. The request of clemency was taken into consideration like the Admiral of the 400th Talmshaa Fleet wanted. There was no need to waste manpower and ships due to the ongoing war with the Galactic Alliance and the Recent Incident with the Mandalorian Enclave over Ilum.

"Thank you; Grand Admiral"

Charidot said regarding the first comment made.

"I will carry on supporting the 43rd Battlegroup when my assignment for COMPNOR is finished. You can be assured of that. I would be more than honored to bring them to the Imperial Shipyard at Niruaun." Abeodan said in a firm but soft manner of speaking before following up a few moments later. "I shall await the added support for my fleet." He replied regarding the ships that could be transferred to his control after deliberation.

The transmissions was soon cut afterwards after a salute from both of them towards one another. As the 400th Talmshaa Fleet moved into position to jump into hyperspace and head towards their home base over Bal Talmshaa for repairs and additional manpower. The New Flagship "Legacy of Bodvarr" was finished and ready to be added into his arsenal. Operation 233 was a special operation only meant for COMPNOR Official's to be aware about along with ISB Personnel. They would inform the Moff Council of the Operation in due time after gathering the first few phases of the plan and presenting them in the next meeting.

Julius Haskler

FINAL POST​

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[Jorus Fel]

T H E _ E M P I R E
501st STORMTROOPER LEGION
OPERATION SCIMITAR
IT'S TREASON THEN
Siyndacha Aerin

Jorus didn't need to prod further, there was no point. Besides, she was right -- the sooner they ended this, the better. He nodded and cocked his rifle before slipping off to the adjacent corner of the hangar's entry. No one noticed his shadow. Good.

The stormtrooper cocked his rifle and took aim. His palms were sweaty and he thanked the armed gauntlents protecting his hands as he squeezed the grip of the rifle tighter. He could hear his heart pummel against his chest as he drew and held his breath. The natural tremor of his hands ceased as the long, rigorous training of a stormtrooper kicked in. He lifted his hand off the barrel and two fingers gestured for Aerin to move in. They had to be in perfect synch; an impeccable rhythm to synchronize a melee and ranged assault. Impossible to achieve without hours upon hours of training with each other to forge the mutual discipline and chemistry needed to pull it off. Fire too early and she might get compromised, fire too late and his target may be off the aim. Fire too straight and she might be the one caught in his crosshair.

The Fel scion licked his lips, eyes fluttering against the droplets of sweat pouring down from his brow. He pressed the rifle against his shoulder further, digging in deeper than the plate allowed him to. The gun almost felt like an extension of his limbs.

She crossed his aims and he fired twice before adjusting his aim in a split second at his other designated target and firing twice once more, then switched the selector to full auto spraying that area of the ritual with blaster fire to be certain his targets were surely eliminated.

The light of the ritual flickered before it ceased and darkness befell the hangar.​

 

[Siyndacha Aerin]

ERRANT HEIR
THE ORDER OF IMPERIAL KNIGHTS → 501st STORMTROOPER LEGION
BANOL'S MAZE - WORTAN - IRIDONIA
Jorus Fel

MEPHISTO'S LULLABY​

She followed suit and took up the opposite corner of the hangar’s entry, waiting with two unlit hilts, with the same lack of notice in the shadow she cast, and waited for Fel to be ready.

At his signal, she rounded the corner, and pulled on the metaphorical mask of ice. Then she was off, hurtling towards the pair of cultists she was to begin with, the first of her co-conspirator’s shots putting an end to one of his targets as the brilliant white of her blades came to life, were brought to bear, and cut through one, then two in a handful of seconds. Divided bodies crumpling to the punctuation of fully automatic blaster fire.

The hangar plunged into darkness, now only lit by the twin brightness of her blades, as she stalked towards the next cultist, his blade coming alive in an attempt to challenge the relentless frost. She was on him, past his defenses, and relieving him of his head inside of half of a minute.

Then a wallop of heavy force sent her flying, knocking the wind out of her. She oriented, twisted accordingly, and stuck the landing with a backwards skid, dropping to a knee as if driven there by heavy breaths, and flicked her gaze at the source of the assault. A coalescence of shadow that seemed to defy the natural dark of the unlit space, in its unnatural blackness. Inky wisps licking and curling like tendrils off the approximate form of a man, outlined only in part by the light of her blades.

“No matter.”

Even his voice was twisted by the corrupted energy.

“I have consumed more than enough life to deal with both of you…”

His dark gaze shot a look towards Jorus, as he lit a deep crimson blade of his own.

“...children.”

​

​

 

[Jorus Fel]

T H E _ E M P I R E
501st STORMTROOPER LEGION
OPERATION SCIMITAR
IT'S TREASON THEN
Siyndacha Aerin

The dread emanating from the shadowy figure seized the stormtrooper's grip and fingers like frozen shackles binding him in place. Jitters crossed the soldier's hazel eyes as he stared into what could only be described as death made manifest. Jorus strained his whole mouth to swallow the encapsulating fear afflicting every minuscule attempt of a motion and his trigger finger pulled thrice only for the bolts to ricochet back into his armor felling the trooper down on his back.

-Gah!!- he groaned as his free hand reached instinctively where the returned bolts had carved gaps into his armor and flesh.

Meanwhile, the maleficient presence shifted its attention to the greater problem in the hangar -- the Imperial Knight. Its ghastly form lunged at Aerin with a series of force-enhanced blows of the sanguine blade. Each swipe was faster and stronger than the previous before he snapped his hand forth to send a force blast to obliterate the Knight to pieces. ​

 

[Siyndacha Aerin]

ERRANT HEIR
THE ORDER OF IMPERIAL KNIGHTS → 501st STORMTROOPER LEGION
BANOL'S MAZE - WORTAN - IRIDONIA
Jorus Fel

MEPHISTO'S LULLABY​

She rose to her feet when the thing was focused on Jorus, whose bolts didn’t make a dent, instead returning to rip into him. She hardly saw this, but she heard it, and felt it, and this made her frown deeply, and tensed her grip around both of her hilts. Her teeth gritted against the heady pulse of dread. When she was scared in the midst of battle, she didn’t freeze, she didn’t cower… she got angry.

Defiant.

Then the shadow came for her, beating against her two blades with its one in a flourish that only seemed to pick up speed and strength with each blow. Then there was a split-second where the assault ceased, its other hand snapping forth, at which she instinctively punched out a wall of energies with a fist full of lightsaber to negate the blow, then immediately pressed her counter. Drawing on the righteous fury of her uncompromising light. Urging the figure back with the seemingly frenetic pace of her dual bladework. Seeking an opening with which to gain the advantage, or end this fight in its entirety.

And then it happened. The figure misstepped, stumbled in its backward footing, its blade hand going a bit wide as it reeled. She surged inside of the shadow’s guard, and drove a brilliant white blade into the figure’s chest and just barely out the other side. It seemed to jolt in surprise, but the surprise didn’t last as at that moment it had rediscovered its footing, and the figure abandoned its own blade to the ground.

With both hands in an iron grip, it grabbed her by the hand and wrist that held the blade inserted into its form, yanking her closer, bringing the blade further into itself, until the blade stopped against him at the hilt. Until what passed for its face peered so deeply into her own. It abandoned the grip of one hand to brush wrong, inky fingers against her cheek, small tendrils lapping at her skin.

“Foolish child.”

She scowled. Really, she felt like she might be sick… but she had the thing right where she wanted it. She started to release her wintry light, pouring it into the figure via the blade in its body.

“I am no child,” she growled, "nor am I foolish." And the figure began to howl and scream in its unnatural voice that, as the inky darkness began to recede, became more natural, and the being began to die. Its grip on her loosening as the corpse began to fall from her blade. The corpse of what had once been a man, tattoos covering nearly every inch of its body, crumpled to the ground. The eyes burnt out of their sockets, presumably by the putrid darkness that had been infused into the body giving way to her light.

She stared blankly at the corpse for a moment or two, then lifted her eyes to manage a wavering glance at Jorus. "Are," she hiccoughed, "are you alright?" But she didn't wait for an answer; instead she simply turned away as the impact of the place and the ended ritual overtook her, dropped to her knees, and abandoned her hilts to clatter on the ground. Then, with hands planted, gagging and coughing, the contents of her stomach - her most recent meal - surged up and out of her, and onto the floor.

“I,” she said queasily, wiping her mouth on her sleeve as she sat back on her heels, only to snap her mouth shut for a moment, gagging a time or two before she settled again, “I loathe this place.”

​